The tail of a Russian jet that crashed in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula in October. Sources tell Reuters an EgyptAir mechanic is under suspicion of planting a bomb on the plane under the Islamic State's orders. (Suliman el-Oteify/Egyptian Prime Minister's Office via AP)

(Newser)
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An EgyptAir mechanic may be responsible for the destruction of a Russian passenger plane that killed 224 people last October when it crashed in the Sinai Peninsula, Reuters reports. The Egyptian government states no one has been arrested in connection with the disaster, and EgyptAir officials deny any of its employees are suspects. But anonymous sources tell Reuters an airline mechanic has been detained after it was discovered his cousin joined ISIS. "After learning that one of its members had a relative that worked at the airport, Islamic State delivered a bomb in a handbag to that person," one source says. "He was told to not ask any questions and get the bomb on the plane."

Sources also tell Reuters two airport policemen and a baggage handler are suspected of helping the mechanic plant the bomb, though it's possible the policemen weren't complicit, just bad at their jobs. An EgyptAir official tells Reuters it investigated every employee and their families and found nothing suspicious. "Any employee who shows sympathy to militants is prevented from going to work in any airport," he says. Meanwhile, the Egyptian government claims there is still no evidence terrorism was involved in the destruction of the plane. ISIS has claimed responsibility.